The nurse receives a client from the post-anesthesia unit with a new onset of sinus tachycardia and a heart rate of 118 beats per minute. To which reasons does the nurse relate the increased heart rate? (Select All that Apply.)
Anxiety
Sleep
Fever
Hyperglycemia
Blood loss
Correct Answer : A,C,E
A. Anxiety:
Anxiety can lead to an increased heart rate due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. When a person is anxious, their body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which can stimulate the heart to beat faster. This increased sympathetic activity can cause sinus tachycardia, where the heart rate is faster than normal.
B. Sleep:
While sleep can affect heart rate variability, causing fluctuations in heart rate during different stages of sleep, it typically does not cause a significant and sustained increase in heart rate like sinus tachycardia. Sleep is more likely to influence heart rate patterns rather than directly cause sinus tachycardia.
C. Fever:
Fever, especially in response to infection or inflammation, can lead to an elevated heart rate. The body's response to fever includes increased metabolic activity, which can raise the heart rate as part of the physiological stress response. Fever-induced sinus tachycardia is a common finding in individuals with infections.
D. Hyperglycemia:
While hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) can have cardiovascular effects over time, such as contributing to atherosclerosis and heart disease, it is not typically a direct cause of sinus tachycardia. Sinus tachycardia is more commonly associated with acute stressors like anxiety, fever, or hypovolemia (such as from blood loss).
E. Blood loss:
Significant blood loss, such as during surgery or due to trauma, can result in hypovolemia, where there is a decrease in blood volume circulating in the body. In response to hypovolemia, compensatory mechanisms kick in, including an increase in heart rate (sinus tachycardia), to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Yes. Hypertension is prevalent among men; it is fortunate we caught this during your routine examination.": This response is premature as it assumes a diagnosis of hypertension based on a single elevated blood pressure reading without further assessment or confirmation.
B. "We will need to reevaluate your blood pressure because age places you at high risk for hypertension.": While age is a risk factor for hypertension, it is important not to jump to conclusions based on one blood pressure reading. Reevaluation and monitoring are necessary before making any definitive diagnoses or treatment decisions.
C. "A single elevated blood pressure does not confirm hypertension. You will need to have your blood pressure reassessed several times before a diagnosis can be made.": This response is appropriate because it acknowledges the need for further assessment and monitoring before determining if the client has hypertension. It also educates the client about the importance of multiple readings for an accurate diagnosis.
D. "You have no need to worry. Your pressure is probably elevated because you are being tested.": This response dismisses the client's concerns and does not provide accurate information about blood pressure assessment and hypertension diagnosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Take the iron with dairy products to enhance absorption: This statement is incorrect. Calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, can inhibit iron absorption. It's recommended to take iron supplements with vitamin C-rich foods or beverages to enhance iron absorption.
B. Limit foods high in fiber due to the risk for diarrhea: While some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation or diarrhea when taking iron supplements, it is not generally recommended to limit foods high in fiber. Adequate fiber intake is important for overall digestive health.
C. Increase the intake of vitamin E to enhance absorption: Vitamin E does not directly enhance iron absorption. Vitamin C is the nutrient that enhances iron absorption, so increasing intake of vitamin C-rich foods or taking vitamin C supplements along with iron supplements can improve iron absorption.
D. Iron will cause the stools to darken in color: This statement is correct. Iron supplements can cause stools to become dark or even black in color. This is a harmless side effect known as "iron stools" and is caused by the reaction of iron with substances in the digestive tract.
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